Centre mulls changing policy on second airport

According to a Press Trust of India (PTI) report, the Centre is considering to change the policy which does not allow a second airport in the 150 kms radius of an existing one. Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said yesterday, “There is a need to re-look at this policy. We will have to find a solution within the legal framework. Changes will be made in the policy.” As per the current policy, no additional airport is permitted within 150 kms radius of the existing one. London has seven to eight airports. Similarly, Greater New York has several airports, the minister pointed out while addressing the recently concluded international conference India Aviation 2008 in Hyderabad.

At present, 84 airports are operational in the country. Measures were underway to adequately develop infrastructure at small airports, he said. The government has identified 34 regional airports for development in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode at a cost of USD 357 million, added Patel. He said the government's endeavour was to see the development of metros as aviation hubs to connect all cities of India and facilitate transportation of cargo at competitive rates.